Olympic legend Seb hailed a hero at signing

FROM the euphoria of the Olympics high came a humbling homecoming for London 2012 hero Sebastian Coe.

The Sheffield-raised champion, who became the face of the Games after playing an integral role in securing the bid, made a welcome return to the city to sign copies of his autobiography.

Hundreds of people queued outside Waterstones in Orchard Square to meet the man who made the summer of sporting success possible.

Lord Coe chatted happily to fans and posed for pictures while a steady stream of people filled the bookshop armed with their copies of Running My Life, which chronicles four Olympic medal wins including gold for the 1,500 metres gold in 1980 and 1984.

Lord Coe said: “It is fantastic to be in Sheffield, a really humbling experience after being here recently with the torch.

“It’s great to meet people, I’ve had a lovely reaction from everybody since the Olympics. Everybody seems to have enjoyed it, which was the main object to be honest.”

Fan Richard Lowe, 72, of Millhouses, said: “I’m getting a copy of the book signed for my son as he attended the same school as Seb.

“He had a gerbil named after him and now he has a lurcher with the same name. He’s an inspirational character.”

Other members of the queue, including some Games Makers dressed in full uniforms, said Seb’s involvement in this year’s spectacle had really put Sheffield on the map.

John Wallbank, aged 59, from Doncaster, who began his journey to Sheffield at 2.45pm to ensure he was first in the queue for the 5pm signing, said: “Jess Ennis was queen of the Olympics and Seb Coe was king. He’s everyone’s hero of 2012.”